He also described driverless car technology as “premature and probably in the main unnecessary”.

In contrast, the debate began with Transport Minister Baroness Sugg stating the UK could be at the forefront of the “latest transport” revolution if the bill is passed.

She explained: “I fully acknowledge that in the area of both automated and electric vehicles there are many areas that the Government needs to focus on, take action and invest in.

"This bill addresses just some of these issues, but taken together the measures in this bill demonstrate the readiness of the UK to be a part of this latest transport revolution - to deliver easier, cleaner and safer journeys for everyone.

"This bill is designed to put the UK on the front foot, ready to take advantage of the social and economic benefits that these technologies will bring."

Former BBC director general Lord Birt argued autonomous vehicle technology is still “embryonic” and the bill is just a “modest incremental step”, although he doesn’t doubt that our roads will be made safer by electric and autonomous vehicles in the future.

The bill will now go through a line by line examination at the Committee stage – the date for which is yet to be announced.